It’s here, we’re here, finally the long wait is over and our annual summer trip to the alps has begun!

We’re now one week in and loving the french alpine lifestyle with more baguettes and salami than we know what to do with…

After settling in and the first night we took the beginners for their first taste of alpine rivers with a nice swim down the slalom site at L’argentiere la bessee. On the water we saw a full range of emotions, and as Steve shows below not many were loving it!

This isn’t like the pool! Steve finding the swim test interesting…

Successful swim test past!

After the swim test we gave those who felt brave a quick blast on the slalom site, with only one one swim (Steve proving once more he can swim) we wrapped up and called it a morning.

Louis’ Mk 1 burn still going strong at L’argentiere slalom site

With the sun blazing one option besides kayaking was to take a quick drive down to Embrun lake and enjoy the views…

Joel sporting the branded club snap backs at Embrun Lake

With a beginner’s trip down to the Rab Wave planned we lightened the dreaded anticipation with some messing around on the slide at St Clements.

The St Clément slide never disappoints

With a taste of ‘playboating’ at the Rab the previous day, we headed up the valley to sample the Upper Guisane with nice levels meaning no rocks and a speedy flow ‘S Bend’ was passed with no hitches, although swimming in the eddie below did make an appearance.

Upper Guisane – Freshers first real taste of alpine paddling

Being in the alp’s the sunshine last long into the evening, BBQing being a popular choice with the guys and girls.

Pre BBQ, Post river!

After a couple of beginners orientated days it was time for the ‘Advanced’ paddlers to go have some fun, below are some snaps for our day on the Guil from Upper through to the reservoir at the bottom of the middle section (III-V). The day before we headed to the Ubaye for some truly spectacular scenery and some fantastic paddling at a med-high level. Getting on at Les Thuiles for a bit of a warm up (III/IV) before hitting La Fresquiere (V) and a warm down on the Race course section to finish (IV)